Abstract
This paper describes both a pilot and a larger research effort to implement and evaluate a comprehensive community-based approach to drug abuse prevention. Since heart disease is a side effect of youth and adult chemical abusers, models for community-based prevention in the heart disease prevention area are discussed as well as issues that are specific to the area of drug abuse prevention. Criteria for successful community drug abuse prevention programs are outlined that include the necessity for employing a step-wise multi-component approach involving school, media, parent, and community organization programs. Implications of the initial results of the pilot for future community prevention programs are also described. Entry, community support, and long-term community ownership of prevention are emphasized.